My 78 K15 High Sierra build - Fish Tremble

[rgunlock]

This is where having all the left over patch panel helps. Using a few basic tools you make your own patch. In this case, a couple pieces of angle iron in a bench vice, plus brute strength and a hammer works as an acceptable sheet metal brake. Not shown, but I used the cut out piece as a pattern to cut out and find the right spots to bend in some angles. I use this purple scotch pad kind of "surface prep" disc on the die grinder to clean the rust off the edges of the hole to be patched, as well as to clean up the edges of the patch itself to get clean bare metal.

Then a few spot welds to hold the patch in place and moving around fill in the gaps between the initial welds.

[rgunlock]

Finally, I used this flap disk on an electric grinder to clean the weld up somewhat. This one is going to be covered, so I'm basically just wanting to make sure no weld is sticking up high enough to interfere with the outer patch. Once it is ground down good enough, I cleaned the whole area with mineral spirits and then sprayed on some self-etch weld-through primer. Final picture is the original patch over the original hole. It is really close to fitting but need just a little more grinding. But, its dinner time and I've had about 1 too many beers to tackle any more on this patch that's going to show so I'll finish it up one night soon Hope this helps someone that is just looking for a clue as to what is involved, and the tools used.

[rgunlock]

Made it to a milestone. Rust repair done At least I think so. Finished up both spots behind the wheel wells on the bed. Other side had a surprise once I cut out the bad spot, so I had to cut even more so I could fix the area behind. I hadn't bought a patch panel for this side so I ended up welding the original metal back in with the smaller patch in it. I think both sides are now ready for a little filler. In fact, that's what is up next. Lots and lots of bodywork.

[rgunlock]

Last pic.

[Bomp]

Got caught back up. Whewww, You've been busy.
Congrats on getting to the body work stage.
Looking good Man, Lookin' Good

[rgunlock]

Thanks Bomp. I wasn't sure I'd EVER get to this point. The rust just went on and on. I been following your custom chassis work and its looking really good. Not sure I'll ever be brave enough to take on that much customization - basic restores are challenging my talents as it is

[rgunlock]

Happy New Year! I've spent part of my holiday/work shutdown time figuring out how to mount nurf bar steps on my truck so my wife can get in. Ok, so my heavy old self is likely to appreciate them as well

I bought the bars from Dee Zee. They were universal but supposed to fit my application with some fabrication required - understatement of the year!! Between the step up in the frame starting under the cab, and my saddle tanks, the mounting bracket for the rear didn't even touch the frame and the front brackets only had the top set of holes on the frame. Fabricating a new set of mounting brackets for this severely stretched my limited talents in this area I think I'll be happy with them though after I do some touch-ups.

I'd posted a "need some help" thread on the main 4x4 forum, but got no responses. I'm posting the details of what I came up with in that thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6445798